Project Title: Surface Soil Microbial Processes
Organization: ERDC-CRREL
Location: Hanover NH
Project Description: (one page or less)
Keywords: Soil, microbiology, humification, mineralization, bioavailability, water potential, soil
forensics, soil microbial evolution, community dynamics
The focus of this research is on soil science and soil microbiology. Projects vary with funding a
sponsors needs, and generally involve the impacts of extreme and variable conditions
representative of soils, particularly near-surface conditions, and the subsequent alterations in soil
microbial community and function are key considerations in this research. Selected research
topics include: 1) Soil-microbial interactions important in bioremediation; 2) Rhizosphere
phenomena and extension to phytoremediation; 3) Environmental conditions and competition
affecting the persistence of nonindigenous microorganism in soil; 4) Soil biomarkers and their
relationship to status of soil health or recovery from anthropogenic or natural insult; 5) Spectral
approaches to measure or predict microbial responses to stresses in surface soils; 6) Function
and persistence of polymer and biomimetic materials in surface soils.
The soil microbiology laboratory is equipped for soil characterization and incubation
experiments, chromatography, lipid and molecular characterization. Collaborators provide
unusual access to spectral characterization.
Background or Skills Required: (half page or less)
Positive, team oriented, can-do attitude is required. Background in soil science, microbiology,
biochemistry, or analytical or organic chemistry would be helpful. Skills in typical laboratory
procedures are beneficial. Familiarity with software-driven modern instrumentation [HPLC, GC,
GCMS, PCR, Quantitative PCR, and LSC] is very helpful. Familiarity with statistical software
and web-based bioinformatics databases is helpful [Statistica, JMP, Excel]. We may have
projects in which experience in RS software and digital imaging would be helpful.
Number of Academy Cadets/Midshipmen: 1
Number of Academy Faculty:1
Requested Duration: (in weeks) 5-6 week preferable
Security Clearance Required: No
Sponsor Name: Dr. C.M. Reynolds
Sponsor Phone Number: 603 646 4394
Sponsor E-Mail Address: charles.m.reynolds@erdc.usace.army.mil